voestalpine steel GmbH produces high-quality polyester- and polyurethane coated steel strips for exterior applications. Service life of these products depends significantly on weathering conditions, both on solar irradiation (temperature and UV exposure) and moisture absorption. The latter is considered as one key factor.

The present PhD thesis aims to assess the water uptake in 1K PU-coatings in terms of kinetics and absorptive capacity and to elucidate the associated mechanisms, regarding microstructural changes. The conditions, which lead to hydrothermal deterioration, will be systematically varied for different coating systems and based on these results, predictive models to anticipate the performance of the barrier properties shall be developed.

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